DISCUS Academy Launches Sustainability Certificate Program

Apr 22 — Jun 18, 2024 12:00 am

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) added a new DISCUS Academy curriculum, the Sustainability Certificate Program, designed to equip spirits industry professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to address sustainability challenges unique to the distilled spirits sector.

Through this initiative, participants will gain practical strategies, tools and insights to initiate positive transformations within their organizations, drive environmental responsibility, and elevate sustainability practices and performance across the industry.

The certificate program is comprised of 11 DISCUS Academy courses, each one hour in length and equaling one credit. All courses will be presented virtually for participants to take live initially or on-demand. The certificate must be earned within 12-months of the first course taken and the program concludes with a cumulative exam to show competency in the subject matter. The first three courses are as follows with more to be announced:

Course 1: Intro to Distilling & Sustainability | May 23, 1 p.m. EST

Presenters: Elizabeth McCall and Chris Morris, Brown-Forman

Course 2: Measurement & Benchmarking | May 28, 1 p.m. EST

Presenter: Melanie Gourley, Westland Distillery

Course 3: Energy and Climate | June 18, 1 p.m. EST

Presenter: Danny Macri, EnergyStar

To register or learn more about the Sustainability Certificate Program, click here.

DISCUS Academy was launched in 2021 to provide best-in-class training and education for distilled spirits industry professionals. Available to DISCUS members and non-members alike, DISCUS Academy offers curriculum and industry-recognized certifications related to the business of distilling, rather than training on production or spirits knowledge—a first of its kind.

In partnership with Cornell University and University of Kentucky, DISCUS Academy also offers leadership development programs to provide professionals of varying leadership experience education tailored to their career stage.